I was about 8 or 9 years old when this song came out. Our yard duty teacher would play records during recess time at our grade school. It was a hard time in my life, physical abuse, unfamiliar town, loneliness. I remember being in lots of trouble and one late afternoon, I missed my bus ride home from school. The train tracks went right thru the middle of this small rural town and I walked the tracks home by myself. As I was anticipating the discipline awaiting me at home and walking slowly on the train tracks, this song came into my head. The harmonica wailed like a train horn - almost like a warning. I started singing the chorus out loud, "take the long way home!" And I remembered most of the lyrics that I could understand. "And when the day comes to settle down, who's to blame if you're not around?" That song profoundly resonated in my 9 year old heart. It was my voice and my escape. Didnt feel so alone after that. Thankfully, life changed several years later and the abuse stopped and we moved far away and started over. This song will always be a bookmark in my life. Thank you for giving this song proper attention.
That got me crying. You write with great poignancy. I had a similar childhood and I was transported back in time. I’m so glad it turned around for you.
Wow. I was just about ready to share nearly the same story here. I was sitting here with my wife tonight watching this when the host stopped around 11:05 and she recognized the poignancy of the lyrics and mentioned that she could suddenly see there is was a REASON for taking 'the long way home'. It wasn't a "good home space" to go home to. I heard her say those words and instantly the tears started running down my face - it was all I could do to hold back a full breakdown. I just barely held it back. It was like a dam breaking. I didn't want my wife to see so I held it all in. Your story and my story feel similar. Small town. Being about 9 or 10. The harmonica being like a train horn... man, you writing that made the tears come back again. Because that is exactly how I heard that too - like a warning - for me, like it was a train coming... that final school bell - time for all my schoolmates to go line up for the buses to take them to homes where moms and dads who loved them would be waiting, safe places... and time for me to walk home... alone... no long way to take... just a straight 5 or 6 blocks walk to face the fear and abuse that I couldn't tell anyone about. The fear and abuse that I had faced alone, in silence, every day, for all of my years. Abuse that had crushed my happiness, denied me my childhood, cut out my inside and made my stomach into a knot. I remember what it felt like being 9 or 10 yet feeling so many years older, because I'd had to learn to be, it wasn't safe to be a kid, I needed to be aware of everything happening around me at all times, it all made it so hard to connect with my classmates and friends. I felt so alone and broken inside. Then in the video she says "shout out to the people who have struggles at home - a lot of times those things are unseen and so detrimental inside - there's a face that's put up on the outside" and the tears hit me again, hard. THAT'S the joy of the music and the pain of the lyrics of this song... suddenly I'm 10 again, and I know damn well that I'm a different kid when I am at school, I'm safe, I can stop being afraid, I can dare to be happy, its a FACE THAT'S PUT UP - but how quickly all of that vanishes when that last bell rings and school ends and I have to leave to face what's coming, whatever that might be. Suddenly, I am all alone, and I am just afraid, dreading that walk home. Then she says "if you feel unseen, know that other people been through similar situations... and you are not alone." And now my heart is breaking. "Unseen" THAT was me, I swallowed all the grenades, no one knew, all the fear, all hurt, all the pain, all the punches, all the emotional fear, all the physical fear, I couldn't tell anyone the danger I was in, it was too dangerous, what if there was nothing they could do and I would have to face having told? I would really face the consequences then. It would be real bad. "I was not alone?" I felt pretty alone. I wish I could've realized I wasn't. I'm not sure it would have mattered then. Anyway... thank you for sharing your story. Things got better for me too, soon after that year. I survived. I am truly sorry for whatever you had to go through. I really am. I hope you are OK and have found healing - this stuff can stay with you for a lifetime. I'm thankful for this song. I'm thankful that I made it through. We weren't alone. We aren't alone. - All the best.
@@-mattwood I'm glad you made it to a better place, and thank you for the courage of sharing your story. As it so happens, I'm on our local school board, and in that role I often wonder about our students for which school is their refuge.
Welcome to the wonderful world of Supertramp. The very best band that no one knew. I'm 62 yrs old and Supertramp is one of the top 5 bands in my life. Ooozing talent all over the place.
Oh, man! I wasn't cool enough or musically refined enough to recognise the musical genius on display here. This came out in my early teens when I could have been a groupie for these guys. To hear someone a couple of decades older embrace this as the fantastic stuff it, is makes me happy to have finally caught up.
When my marriage was crashing, I sang it as "it has to be, for you to GO, boy." I felt that if things had been one step above a catastrophe, I would have tried my best to work it out.
Agreed. This song and the album Breakfast In America was a cultural phenomenon when it came out with hit after hit. At least in my circle and it was when you played whole albums not just songs so the overall experience blends your emotions and memories between all the songs on the album. His voice reminds me a lot of Geddy Lee from RUSH. th-cam.com/video/kyhW2v0NDM0/w-d-xo.html
This song has such significance for me. In 1979, I was a young stud (well, in my mind, anyway) in my early 20s. I was a USG contractor in Saudi Arabia... it was a long way home. Used to sit on a rise overlooking a military city up on the Saudi/Iraq/Kuwait border (KKMC, for those in the know)... and gaze out at the city lights. I'd sit there late at night as the desert heat dissipated, the Arabian night darkened, and the stars became incredibly bright. And there I'd come into the full presence of my then world. I'd sit, listen, and contemplate where I was (that blew me away) and what my future might hold. Lonely days, lonely nights! Now, at 67, when I hear this song, I find myself going back to a place where, no matter the direction I went, I took the long way home! 😊
My old boss was there during that time. He was doing a specialty installation for a Saudi company. I remember him telling me about the list of things that were presented to him on arrival . He couldn't wear Levi's jeans because it was promoting a Jewish company. He said you could not drink alcohol unless you were invited to. You had to shake hands with your left hand because the right one was used to wipe yourself in their culture. Did you have to do any of that? I'm just curious.
Supertramp were a band who weren't afraid to put every element of music that interested them into their songs. That is why they were so great. So many styles mixed together perfectly, creating a unique sound. It's great see you discover all of these for the first time Elizabeth! This is the joy of music!
I remember listening to supertramp as a kid 76 I was addicted to there music immediately… Crazy inspired lyrics Which I could relate to In a big way , Up lifting… I thought Go to (hide in your shell Thx ..Peace ..
Im 54, one of my most vivid memories as a child was sitting in the living room with my parents with most of the lights out listening to Crime of the Century and breakfast in America on the quadraphonic. We just sat there engulfed by the music. I absolutely love Supertramp.
This is my memory of music at our house growing up. My mom was pretty hip and she had all the great rock albums. The kind that hang on peoples walls today. They had a Realistic system with 2 large wooden speakers that functioned as end tables on either side of the couch. huge 12 inch woofers and chrome tweeters. We would sit on the couch and listen with the lights turned down and the windows open with the breeze coming in and the crickets chirping outside. We would listen to WNEW in NYC or one of her records sometimes and she would point out how the sound moves from left to right or right to left if you sit between the speakers...it was magical.
Crime of the Century is one of my favorites of all time. Specifically "Rudy". I discovered the tune about age 14 and just about 40 years later it's magic hasn't waned one bit. But the Hi-Fi kit is far better than what I had at 14. Win...win... And "Brother Where You Bound?" Wow!! Didn't have Roger but Rick Davies and the rest of the band certainly had their own strengths!
It's loosely about hopping on the Concord to NYC from Great Britain, how Prophetic is the Logical Song! Good Bye Stranger.....Child of Vision....it was a great album!
These lines in the song always gave me goosebumps and almost made me cry....... "When you look through the years and see what you could have been Oh, what you might have been If you would have more time" ......please dont decide to not follow your dreams or put things off too long and have this regret!
Yes, these lyrics are so poignant. As a cancer patient, I think about this all the time, and am trying not to squander the precious time I have left, however much, in this beautiful life.
You’re definitely not over-analyzing these songs. Supertramp is one of the deepest music you’ll ever listen to. Just like the music, there are 100 layers to the meanings and emotions of every Supertramp song. Best band ever.
I'm a retired DJ. Whenever I played Supertramp on my shows I'd always tell my listener (you only ever speak to one person), "That's the best band in the World." I would say it like it was a scientific, irrefutable, self-evident fact. A little bit because I'm an arrogant sob, but also because I kinda believe it might be empirically true. Hodgson and Davies' voices complement each other perfectly, the musicality of the band is of the highest level, the tension between their progrock and jazz-pop instincts is constantly surprising, the unparalleled mastery of their instruments is a privilege to hear, their lyrics dealing with hippy existential angst, mixed with the ordinariness of humdrum, everyday life are entertaining yet deeply thought-provoking, and last, and probably most, Rodger Hodgson's emotional, crying, plaintive voice brings tears to my eyes even after all these years. All of the above provides this arrogant DJ with about as much evidence as he needs to confidently announce - Best Band in the World.
Thank you ! Absolutely agree. The best band in the world playing one of my favorite song, Rudy. They were here in Montreal in 1976. First part was Chris De Burgh. Time long gone but never forgotten.
And I'm 62 as well. Supertramp makes up part of the soundtrack of my life. What a unique and wonderful sound. A sound that I can proudly say has never left my play list. From vinyls and cassettes to CDs and flash drives. And I still have some of the vinyls. All you guys put a smile on my face knowing there are others with GREAT taste in music.
Studio versions are often flagged and deleted by the copyright owner so a live version is probably the only way to keep her reaction video from being deleted from TH-cam.
As with a lot of the music I grew up listening to, I have to thank my older siblings. Supertramp is one of those bands that my sisters listened to and I found to be one of my many favorites. The lyrics to this song are about a person with a bad relationship at home and is doing everything he can to avoid or prolong the time before the inevitable when he gets home. The lyrics speak about looking back on your life and the choices you made and if you had more time to do things differently. Definitely one of the best bands of the 1970s - '80s that have had a lot of recognition but not nearly enough celebration for their contribution to rock music
I think my dad would have really enjoyed your review. The fact that you are out here appreciating great 70's music makes me feel not quite so erased by the sands of time. Thank you. ❤
You haven't heard the full musical arc of Roger Hodgson till you hear the best blend of Rick Davies at the piano, and Roger strumming the 12-string guitars, both with superior musicianship padding and oftentimes doubling Roger's vocal prowess. Kindly listen to the studio version of "Give a Little Bit" the opening song on Supertramp's 1977 album Even in the Quietest Moments and the single from1982 album …Famous Last Words… "It's Raining Again" Talk about mastery of crisp layeried harmonies. Timeless.
Agree. I'm much more of a fan of Roger Hogeson and I think he us great on his own. But there is an extra layer of magic that happens when the two of them are together. I dont expect two extremely creative and talented people could exist on the same plane for any long period of time. Their breakup and different pursuits were almost inevitable. It is much much more rare that two people like this will remain together as opposed to drifting apart. I'm just grateful they stayed together as long as they did and gave us all the great music they did.
Give A little Bit touches my soul like no single other song I've ever heard does. It is pure perfection. Pure magic. The oy other songs that would ever come that close were also written and recorded by Supertramp. To quote your examples, the suspended harmonies in the bridge of "It's Raining again" definitely gets me there.
I got to see/hear Supertramp at Arene des Nimes France. A 2,000 year old bullfight arena, where the stone seats are so used they’re actually worn to butt shape… amazing sound and performance. When the guitar solo for Good Bye Stranger broke from ostinato, I thought the arena would levitate! It is in my top 5 concerts ever. In no order ; Jethro Tull, Thick As A Brick, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Birds Of Fire Stephane Grappeli/Bucky Piazarreli at Blue Note ‘1 yard away from violin’ Supertramp at Nimes Orchestra des Contrebasses de Paris at Julliard and in Paris ( 6 awesome bassists acoustically) Honorable mention; Playing bass on Caramina Burana with 450 singers and Juliard Profs. as soloists in NYC
I remember when Breakfast in America came out in '79. Supertramp was my favorite band and I bought the album as soon as it was available, brought it home, unwrapped the celophane, placed it on my turntable and spent I don't even know how many days in musical extasy, It was absolutely epic, possibly Supertramps best album and one of the greratest albums of the era. Actually got to meet Roger after a solo show one night in Hampton Beach New Hampshire decades later and he was an absolute delight to meet, very humble and kind. He was definitely a big influence on me as a musician. Such an amazing talent.
The harmonica's lonely sound, the haunting words, the way he sings as if he knows this, not that he thinks this, is perfect. My favorite Supertramp song.
My great uncle is 102. Just saw him at Christmas and he always has his harmonica with him and plays some traditional French Canadian songs. He's the last of 18 siblings that grew up in the depression. The Harmomica and French singing is what I'll always remember.
When I was a kid, there was many times would try to take the longer ways home. Between the constant getting picked on, beat up, emotional stress from school, I got it a lot from home as well.... So this somg truly hits home with me... As always Elizabeth, you have done a fantastic job breaking down this song. Love ya for what you do!!!!
As someone old enough to have loved and appreciated this song since it was released nearly 50 years ago it's wonderful to see a new generation of music professionals get excited hearing this for the first time. Yes, the greatest era of popular music and Supertramp was and remains one of the most complex and immensely enjoyable bands of the '70s. Your analysis has helped me enjoy it even more in spite of my familiarity with it. I also never saw one of their live performances and this video coupled with your analysis has made me treasure it even more. So glad you enjoyed it.
...this particular song, done Live in Paris, at the beginning he says, "When you go home tonight, you must take the long..way..home"...makes your skin crawl when he strikes that first piano note...also, at the end, you TOOK the long way home, didn't settle down, you made different choices...
@@floyddammytte6781, great observations. It still reonates powerfully today and will, well into the future. What an assembly of visionaries and immensely capable musians. I'm grateful to have been privy to their music and insights most of my life... Now if I'd only applied those suggestions sooner. Still on the long way home, literally; an old upsate New Yoker marooned of sorts in Thailand. After 25 years living abroad, planning a return to the Empire State from the Empire of the Sun. What goes around comes around.
I know, right? It's fascinating to watch a new generation come to appreciate "our" classic modern music. Some even delve into the roots of gospel, Delta Blues, classical music(and Appalachian music too, in Rock). Cool to observe. Cool to still be alive. As my favorite button reads, "I MAY BE OLD, BUT I GOT TO SEE ALL THE COOL GROUPS." Ha. I'll never forget the first time I heard a Led Zeppelin song in an elevator on Muzak. I felt old and weirded out, sure...but mostly sad.
Unseen, that phrase hits my heart very hard, i just turned 61yo, yesterday; its so itrospective that o relate too. All with a brave face,(the piano melody).There are so many layers to really good music and lyrics.😊 Thanks to Elizabeth, I Love her and her content.❤
Supertramp's "Crime of the Century" is a perfect album from the first note to the last. Supertramp is one of my favorite groups. Please explore more of their songs!!
Agreed! The problem was that it was released et exactly the same time as Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon", back in the days of analogue and vinyl.Dark side of the Moon appears to have received more "air play", almost to the point of "over exposure". "Crime of the Century" still holds up as a tour de force of song-writing, musicianship and recording quality. I'm pushing 70, but a lot of stuff like this, Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Yes, Return to Forever, etc. gets spun around here, either on vinyl or CD.
Crime of the Century is a truly great sounding album. The lyrics from the song easily apply to what we’ve been going through for the last four years. But, hey, don’t arrange to have me sent to no asylum. I’m just as sane as anyone.
I really wish you would do studio versions of Supertramp. Yes he’s great live, but the studio quality is mind blowing. Particularly this song, when that harmonica hits in the intro is just unbelievable.
@@mkrchnak5269 Mostly. If you read the comments you'll see most people are of that opinion. The bands tend to speed up, as is the case here, and sound quality is never as good as the studio version.
Totally agree! The speed, cadence, and inflections on live versions of songs can be maddening seeing as how most people are used to studio versions of songs.
The lyrics are clear and his voice is exceptionally expressive... you can hear so much emotion coming through! What really blows my mind is how the vocals and harmonica both synergize so well at that higher register.
You're interpretation of this song, which I was blessed to see them perform in concert in '79, is spot on. The juxtaposition of the up beat temp overlaying heartbreaking lyrics is masterful. One of the lines that stands out to me now is, 'When you look through the years and see what you could have been, Oh, what you might have been. If you'd a had more time.' That resonates deeply now in my older years.
My brother lived with someone in Nevada City, CA for a while. He called one day and asked me, “Have you ever heard of a group named Supertramp?” Yes, I have. Well I’m standing in a room where I’m living and there are Gold Records and all kinds of awards on the walls. My brother had no idea he was living with Roger Hodgson!
Later… Roger was coming to San Diego with the Ringo Starr All-Star Band at San Diego State. My brother got a group of us tickets… when Roger played his 2-3 songs I got unreal goosebumps!
I graduated high school in 1978, and this band is part of the soundtrack of my youth. I was lucky to get to see them in concert in 1978 in Oklahoma City, and it was an amazing show! Thanks for covering this, it took me back and made me smile...
@TerrySleuth now that you say that, I believe I saw them at the Lloyd Noble Arena as well. Back then, it was either the Lloyd Noble in Norman or the Myriad in OKC.
Excellent episode, Liz! Not on topic about his voice, but an interesting Supertramp side-bar story I think you’ll appreciate, as a musician. I live in London, Canada (about 2 hours from Toronto) and about 30 years back, Rodger Hodgson (ST singer) played a solo gig in my city. Well, upon crossing the border from the US to get here, his sax player was refused entry into Canada for some reason. So his tour manager called the Musicians Union, looked for someone local to fill in. My friend Aaron MacDonald got the call-simply cause they (Musicians Union) start at the top of the Rolodex and scroll alphabetically until they find the right, available player. Having two AA’s in his name, he was first call. Long and short of it is, he went down and nailed the gig. In fact, he was hired to replace the other guy! And he KEPT the gig, up until fairly recently, when (I think) Hodgson retired from touring. He is/was the sax player and utility guy, too-percussion, keys, harmonica, acoustic guitar, clarinet etc. etc. etc. Not bad for a kid (at the time) from Canada, eh? An ironic twist in this is that there was another sax player in town named Aron-but he spelled his name with one A. I’m sure he’s often wondered what ‘might have been’ had Aaron not answered his phone that day (pre-cell phones) and they had called him next…just goes to show you, you never know when your break is coming.
Bloody Well Right from the crime of the century album also has that implied swing to it. And it's a masterpiece of a song. It was on the radio constantly when I was a really little kid.
Lol I remember when I was little asking my dad if I was allowed to sing along with that or not 😂 his answer was that swearing is OK when it's art...my teacher did not agree when I sang it at school however 😂
I hope some of the Supertramp deep dive will include studio albums. I know live is the preference, but these guys were exceptional in the studio. In those days, if you bought a new stereo, Supertramp albums would really showcase how good they were. I would recommend Bloody Well Right as a studio option. 🙂
Other Man's Woman live has one of the greatest jazz piano solos in it in all of music. 63 years old and have been a fan (almost) as long as I can remember.
I have to agree - this is great to hear live, but the studio/album version is superb - sounds so different, and I love it! - I also love that they used this track in the UK version of "Ashes To Ashes" season 1's finale's ending scenes - first time I'd heard this track, and fell in love with it!
I always had a one-dimensional approach to this song and loved it because I lived in a small town. When going out on dates, we would "take the long way home" and we would drive around back roads in southern Illinois and just sit in the peace and isolation and of course do other things :) I never thought about the song from a perspective of "I don't want to go home". Thanks to others for posting their perspectives.
I love it SO MUCH that you're taking on a Supertramp journey. It is amazing how I've listened to their songs for DECADES and they never get old. As to the next song to review, well I'd suggest Goodbye Stranger or Give A Little Bit!
Breakfast in American is one of my favorite albums. Used to listen to "The Long Way Home" driving back late at night from my girlfriends house. Really brings back the memories, thanks for reminding us how great they were.
I have heard Supertramp being quoted as the musician's musician, and when you listen to their Breakfast in America album you can absolutely see why. It's highly complex with every millisecond thought out for maximum effect. There is just simply no other band like them, with so much nuance and complete and utter uniqueness.
Fools Overture is an all time classic from this band, the Live in Paris album is always on my top ten playlist. Unique sound, style and brilliant song writing added to top tier musicianship.
I wholeheartedly agree about the Paris version of Fool’s Overture. I can never listen to it without continuing and listening to Two of Us as well. Great reaction!! Thanks!!
The emphasis on SUPER. This band has been in my entire life. I just knew even as a child I was listening to something special that I didn’t understand. As I progressed into music myself it was leaving me speechless. The more I understood the music the less I knew. They are one of those special group of musicians that come around once every generation. They sang the anthems of my youth and their lyrics are just as relevant today as they were 50 years ago. There will never be another Supertramp and that’s a great thing. They get you thinking and moving. They bring joy and understanding and clarity to my life. The suffering of abuse in every form was forgotten when I would spin Supertramp on my little record player. They gave me the only escape that I had from the cruelness I endured. They saved my life. I was catapulted into a different dimension every time I heard them on the radio or my stereo. Thank you Supertramp. I am not alone in my opinion. They will never be replicated.
This is a masterclass in Reacting. You totally nailed it. I just subscribed 😎 I’m 56 years old and what blows my mind more about 70, 80’s music isn’t the musicianship, that’s Bloody Given” you had to be good. It was how all the young musicians were so introspective and deep, the songs had tremendous meaning. It’s like they all had lived so much life, yet they’re hardly 30 years old. The lyrics were really what made the song.
I've seen a lot of bands and though I was rarely disappointed...there were a handful that were on another level...that group includes Supertramp!@@Rock_Snob
The Supertramp "Live in Paris" double album is sublime. The horrendous french is funny AF, but I think adds a greata mount of humanity to the event - the crowd clearly lapped it up!
You have no idea how much this song has meant through the years for those of us who’ve followed them since their beginning. And this tune in particular, because of its simplicity and beauty, can bring me to tears. So glad you analyzed this gem and love it!
I like how the song begins and ends with the melancholic piano and harmonica. It's as if we begin at home, feeling unappreciated and depressed. Then we go out into the world, happy as the music takes on bright pop and klezmer flavors. Yet, by the end, we're taking the long way home as dark chord changes bring us back to the piano and harmonica's lamentations.
This song has a lot of meaning for me. As a kid, after my parents divorced and moved to states on the far north and far south side of the US, we had to do visitation during the summer for months before returning home to mom. We literally took the long way home, almost a thousand miles over land. When mom would drop us off and have to drive back without us, knowing she wouldn't see us for weeks, she said every time this song came on the radio she would cry.
Supertramp is one of the few bands that can perform as close to their studio recordings as possible. It is uncanny how exact and precise their playing was on a repeating basis.
I agree, I saw them and what I think was 1979 at the coliseum in Houston. They were awesome. And before theyre encode, they said that they had never don an encore before.
This song has always had a special meaning for me-but not in a good way. In my sophomore year in a Cleveland-suburb high school, my home life had become very screwed up. My parents hadn’t slept together for years and their sole interaction seemed to be yelling and screaming at each other. They were so busy fighting, that they didn’t really have time for my sister and me. Because of the constant bickering, I couldn’t stand to be in the house when both of them were there at the same time. The good news was that my dad had a job where he worked fairly late; he typically wouldn’t get home until about 7:30 pm each night (when the fighting would inevitably start). One day around 4:30 pm, my class was returning from a field trip. I was sitting with my friends on the back seat of the school bus. We were driving past two local entrances to the Cleveland Metropark, a huge system of parks which surrounds Cleveland (“The Emerald Necklace” of the city). As I looked out the side window, I saw my dad’s car in the park, approaching the main road we were on. I figured he was taking a shortcut home from work and expected him to turn behind us and follow us into our town. But instead, as I stared out the back window of the bus, he crossed the main road and vanished out of sight back into the park on the other side of our road. It then sadly dawned on me that he didn’t work until 7:30 pm each night at all but was just out driving (or perhaps doing other things) for hours-that he preferred that over being home, with his wife…with his children. (Indeed, he arrived home at 7:30 pm that evening.) Shortly after that I heard Supertramp’s “Take the long way home.” Although I love the song, hearing it brings me right back to that realization and sad memories of my childhood.
Yep.... I can totally sympathize with you. Little different situation though. A really bad marriage to an incredibly mean woman. A little alcohol would get her started, a little more would turn her in to Dr. Jekyll, and a little more would turn her into the devil. She would 'go to pick up a few groceries' and not return until the next morning....drunk of course. My parents were called on innumerable times to watch the kids so I could go to work. They would graciously stay until she decided to return home. There were times when she would return home early, in a dangerously aggravated condition. Those were the times I feared going to bed, believing that I may not wake up. I finally left her, not being able to tolerate it any longer. I am convinced that had I stayed, one of us would have likely killed the other. "Take the Long Way Home" was MY song at the time. It fit so well.
@@notsofast2539brother, that’s my story almost to the letter. So many of us have been through so much with a woman. Good u got out when u did. It took me having a heart attack and being in ICU for five days to realize. 20 yr marriage and she never came to the hospital, not even for five minutes. My first grandchild was born four months ago. She has yet to see her grandchild.
Different details, same story. I always thought my dad was working late to support wife and 5 kids, but he had a favorite bar about 10 miles away. I didn’t even pay attention when he ran a red light in his 240Z, was t-boned, and got a DUI. It didn’t seem unusual in any way. Besides, he was sometimes in a better mood drunk than hungover.
One thing I think many will easily agree on is that during the 70's and 80's we had REAL MUSICIANSHIP AND ARTISTRY. Our generation enjoyed TRUE TALENT either in music, comedy or acting. I feel our generation was absolutely blessed. I can't say it enough abt young ppl like yourself who do these reactions who get to. Enjoy it as we did. The looks on all of your faces give me hope for YOUR future and beyond. Keep reacting, listening and sharing. God bless ❤
Besides the fun of getting Elizabeth's thoughts and insights into the song, the vocals, and the instruments... it is such a joy to watch her facial reaction to each new thing that she hears.
That is why I recommended in the past that she wait and listen further into the song instead of instantly responding. Listen all the way through and then go back is my suggestion.
This song hits home! I remember listening to this on the radio when I was a young boy, I often took the long way home, I felt like the joke of the neighborhood! Been tagged with major depression disorder! 🎉😊! Now 56 Celebrate boy! What a journey. Surprised I made it this far. Surrounded by very supportive family for about 10 yrs or so. Happy New year, Stay safe! ❤
Just turned 59, and I felt the joke of the neighborhood, and of the school. When in 2nd grade, I was diagnosed with ADHD, unheard of in that day. I was the only 2nd grader who was sent to school after my mom having me drink a cup of coffee, which as a pediatric nurse, was what she and my pediatrician determined to be the best way to medicate Mr, and as most know now, the treatment for ADHD is stimulants. I was bullied, treated horribly, and much, much later, determined to be on the spectrum. But I fortunately had a fantastic friend who became my biggest supporter and cheerleader. He was the guy who would beat everyone in arm wrestling, was a basketball player and one of the popular crowd. Dennis Watts, you helped me more than I could ever repay you for in a million lifetimes. He convinced me, a skinny kid who was a long distance runner, to join the Marine Corps with him. I joined, and after I pushed myself mentally and physically, graduated from Parris Island as a Marine. From there, even though I've still struggled with so many things, I've done more in my life than anyone who knew that skinny kid, who was punched in the stomach by bullies as a "joke" nearly every week, became a Sergeant of Marines, became an electrical engineer, a helicopter pilot and for many years, played guitar and was a singer in various rock, blues and country bar bands. I hosted karaoke shows, and DJ'ed at many events. Supertramp was one of the bands that seemed to speak to me in those years as a kid, dreaming of something in life that would make me so much more than that skinny, bullied kid listening to "Take the Long Way Home" in the back seat of my Mom's car, sometimes staring up through the back window at the stars in the night sky. I utterly believe that just the friendship of one guy brought out strength that I never dreamed I possessed. I hope you stay well, and live life as fun as you are able!
I picked up a harmonica to learn during Covid and was pretty quickly impressed with how deceptively difficult it initially was to learn. I played trombone in high school so I’m familiar with breath pressure and embourchure…but getting the feel for certain techniques on the harmonica is tricky. Much respect to harmonica players out there!
This is one of my favorite songs that I’m so grateful to you for having made a video. You have such incredible taste in your analysis is always so cool thank you so much.
Supertramp is such a great and talented band, and thank you for the way you admire his voice, I used to argue with so many people who said the vocals were horrible, just goes to show a true professional as yourself to confirm his vocals.
Wow Elizabeth, you are superb at dissecting a song in way I had never noticed throughout my life. I hear the drums, bass, guitars, piano, etc. but am learning so much from you about so many other influences to all the songs as I listen to them now, which are typically all the great classic rock music starting from the mid 60’s to other blues and jazz variations as I got older! Thank you!
I adore your ability to combine musical and emotional intelligence when analysing this beautiful, poignant song. Congratulations on discovering Supertramp. Their musicianship and lyrical perfection make this a masterpiece. Your joy is so infectious!
One of those bands my parents loved when I was a kid, so naturally I pretended to hate it. I was a punk rock kid after all! When you get older, you just stop worrying about it and enjoy Supertramp because it’s amazing.
I never cared what my parents liked or didn't. They introduced me to ST, and I loved it right from the start. They also introduced me to Simon & Garfunkel (yea!) Beatles and Queen (meh). I like what I like, and don't care where it comes from!
It can have many meanings about the journey, to get to the destination. Like don’t grow up too fast. The music to me is taking time, enjoyment getting there. But it reminds me as you say skipping home from school, taking my time, having to go home knowing I had two younger sisters with my rageaholic alcoholic mom. In between learning, and home, was where my enjoyment was.
A live version of My Old School by Steely Dan is another upbeat but fascinating story telling song that works on many levels. It's about time you tackle a Steely Dan song.
Cannot agree more! Lyrics, some of the best music ever, a distinctive voice, all right for Elizabeth's tastes - and a big dose of dark humor often, too.
Don't just get lost in Breakfast in America. Even in the Quietest Moments is a simply astoundingly brilliant musical work! It's just chock full of power and beauty. Also what I consider to be their two main pre-commercial albums Crime of the Century and Crisis? What Crisis? should never be overlooked either.
Totally agree! Even in the quietist Moments is one of my all time favorite albums and (though less popularly recognize) deeper than Breakfast in America (as good as it is). Overall underrated band. Oh! And Crime … also
my favorite supertramp album is crime of the century. even in the quietest moments is second and breakfast in america is third. "crisis what crisis" was the first of their albums that i heard and the first one i bought. i have all of their albums on vinyl.
For a year or two when I was a student (~35 years ago) I used I listen to "crisis what crisis" almost every night when trying to sleep. If I didn't sleep when one side was finished, I turned the cassette in my Walkman, and kept listening.
Wonderful band. Breakfast in America is the Dad album of the century which still sounds great nearly 45 years later. Goodbye Stranger has Davies singing, great stuff that you will enjoy.
Goodbye Stranger is one of my fave songs. In my top 20 of fave progressive rock songs I like quite a few of their songs Even In The Quietest Moments, as well as Fools Overture, off the same album to name a couple.
I always felt that emotional lift when Roger started singing. He has such a pure, almost innocent tone which can express so many emotions but often a sort of sadness that made me wish I could have sat down with him and be an ear if needed.
Crazy that Rick played a solo on the organ with one hand, and the harmonica in the other. Would love to hear what you think of Rick’s voice on Goodbye Stranger, Rudy, or Bloody Well Right
“You don’t have to have all kinds of vocal fireworks to be an incredible singer.” This is a perfect reaction to his voice. I wish more people understood that simple notion.
Your analysis of this song was uplifting and gave a sense of renewal. I have loved this song my whole life. Apparently I have become musically complacent with this song. Your analysis reminded of how amazing and brilliant it really is !! Thank you !!
It's only logical after doing The Logical Song to do this great Supertramp song, complete with harmonica. Elizabeth plays her part in a picture show analyzing this song.
I got to see Supertramp in the Tower Theater, Upper Darby, PA small theater and it was a once in a lifetime concert and I’ve seen so many growing up outside Philly. What a concert.
I play harmonica, and can confirm that the shape of your mouth and throat has a HUGE affect on the the tone- as much as when you are singing I would say! A harmonica player can get all sorts of different affects and tonality and colours by just making adjustments to their mouth or throat or aperture shape. And you can certainly feel all the muscles in your face and lungs working!😊
Just curious about why those two are your favorite. I play only a little with my guitar, so I usually use G or C. Is there something with Bb that adds to tone or other things?@@Xpun3414
Bb has a great tone for most songs. I feel its a warm, open, full tone. That plays well with any other key. As for G. I just love the deep baratone-esk sound. G can be fun, or can be Very sad. I think G can play on the heart strings a bit more then the other keys. @@ronty22
Supertramp had such a unique and quirky quality about them with lyrics that delivered great messages. “Even In The Quietest Moments” is such a gem. Roger’s solo song “Lovers In The Wind” is gorgeous!! Check these out!
I was a senior in high school in 1979 when this song came out . Im 62 now about to turn 63 next week. I loved the harmonica, the saxophone that gave this a jazzy but very unique sound. There's so much to love in this song. His voice and unity of the band is outstanding. Once again,i declare to be so lucky to be born and grow up with the best bands and the music ever made! Senior 1979. Above the entrance to my Dalton, Georgia high school is inscribed with an excerpt of the Holy scripture, "You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free!" Free the word of God! Free the music! Keep it free through preserving the 1st amendment!
I always thought this was just a pretty little song with a nice hook until I learned the song and actually paid attention to the lyrics. Mid-life crisis set to music. Great stuff.!!!
Listening to this tonight made me feel both happy and sad. It brought back happy memories of hanging out with close friends, sharing a beer and some laughs. The clarity, the bright, upbeat feeling of the song, perfectly captures those happy simple times. I miss those friends and the joy of those times. Music is so amazing in that a song can bring such a strong wave of memories and emotions.
It was a privilege to see these gentlemen in concert once, approximately 4 decades ago. That show was astounding. I have seen dozens of live performances, and have played in hundreds of shows myself. Attending their concert was one of my favorite nights ever, they were simply that good.
Seriously under appreciated group of talented musicians. I never understood why they didn't have more success than they did. Thank you for bringing them to a new audience.
they had a lot of success for a number of years. they stopped touring together as a unit, and people forget, but they were everywhere for a number of years!
I lived during the best years of music groups. Did not know it then but I knew that the bands of then were unbelievable in their talent. Fast forward 50 years, these groups are as good now as they were then. I believe we will still be listening to these groups in another 50 years. I can't imagine what that time will be like, but their music will be alive and talked about, just like Bach and Beethoven now.
SUPERTRAMP!!! One of my all time favorites, they could do no wrong in the day and I'm still one of their biggest fans. . ! Thanks soooo much for your additional input into their greatness. . .
I suffered 15 years of psychological domestic violence (PDV - psychological cruelty/coercive behaviour/narcissistic control) which resulted in me going into depressive psychosis (with full blown hallucinations - I thought I was schizophrenic and hid it from anybody). Yeah, this hits hard. So many times I have cried driving to work (wearing sunglasses to hide it) and even more so on the way home. I just get lost in the music though. Supertramp are superb and this song is fantastic. My favourite song has to be "School" but but "Child of Vision" and "Fool's Overture" are fabulous and as a guitarist, I have always loved "Give a little bit" a lot. Yes please, Elizabeth, much more Supertramp!
@@JohnnieLoveuboundoil Aww! I accept your hug (I ♥ hugs) and like you (I think) I love many of the less well known but absolutely awesome Supertramp songs.
@@foxxhunt3513 True, and you don't have to play it in an elevator (as a Brit I'd say a lift) either as Roger did to get the right acoustics. My best version was with friends (in harmony) at a campfire with me on 12 string rhythm acoustic, another friend doing lead on a 6 string acoustic and a third playing a box drum + tambourine. Was a bit like something "The Paper Kites" would have done I guess 🥰
I was about 8 or 9 years old when this song came out. Our yard duty teacher would play records during recess time at our grade school. It was a hard time in my life, physical abuse, unfamiliar town, loneliness. I remember being in lots of trouble and one late afternoon, I missed my bus ride home from school. The train tracks went right thru the middle of this small rural town and I walked the tracks home by myself. As I was anticipating the discipline awaiting me at home and walking slowly on the train tracks, this song came into my head. The harmonica wailed like a train horn - almost like a warning. I started singing the chorus out loud, "take the long way home!" And I remembered most of the lyrics that I could understand. "And when the day comes to settle down, who's to blame if you're not around?" That song profoundly resonated in my 9 year old heart. It was my voice and my escape. Didnt feel so alone after that. Thankfully, life changed several years later and the abuse stopped and we moved far away and started over. This song will always be a bookmark in my life. Thank you for giving this song proper attention.
Thank you for your story. I'm so happy it turned out well for you.
That got me crying. You write with great poignancy. I had a similar childhood and I was transported back in time. I’m so glad it turned around for you.
Wow. I was just about ready to share nearly the same story here.
I was sitting here with my wife tonight watching this when the host stopped around 11:05 and she recognized the poignancy of the lyrics and mentioned that she could suddenly see there is was a REASON for taking 'the long way home'. It wasn't a "good home space" to go home to. I heard her say those words and instantly the tears started running down my face - it was all I could do to hold back a full breakdown. I just barely held it back. It was like a dam breaking. I didn't want my wife to see so I held it all in.
Your story and my story feel similar. Small town. Being about 9 or 10. The harmonica being like a train horn... man, you writing that made the tears come back again. Because that is exactly how I heard that too - like a warning - for me, like it was a train coming... that final school bell - time for all my schoolmates to go line up for the buses to take them to homes where moms and dads who loved them would be waiting, safe places... and time for me to walk home... alone... no long way to take... just a straight 5 or 6 blocks walk to face the fear and abuse that I couldn't tell anyone about. The fear and abuse that I had faced alone, in silence, every day, for all of my years. Abuse that had crushed my happiness, denied me my childhood, cut out my inside and made my stomach into a knot. I remember what it felt like being 9 or 10 yet feeling so many years older, because I'd had to learn to be, it wasn't safe to be a kid, I needed to be aware of everything happening around me at all times, it all made it so hard to connect with my classmates and friends. I felt so alone and broken inside.
Then in the video she says "shout out to the people who have struggles at home - a lot of times those things are unseen and so detrimental inside - there's a face that's put up on the outside" and the tears hit me again, hard. THAT'S the joy of the music and the pain of the lyrics of this song... suddenly I'm 10 again, and I know damn well that I'm a different kid when I am at school, I'm safe, I can stop being afraid, I can dare to be happy, its a FACE THAT'S PUT UP - but how quickly all of that vanishes when that last bell rings and school ends and I have to leave to face what's coming, whatever that might be. Suddenly, I am all alone, and I am just afraid, dreading that walk home.
Then she says "if you feel unseen, know that other people been through similar situations... and you are not alone." And now my heart is breaking. "Unseen" THAT was me, I swallowed all the grenades, no one knew, all the fear, all hurt, all the pain, all the punches, all the emotional fear, all the physical fear, I couldn't tell anyone the danger I was in, it was too dangerous, what if there was nothing they could do and I would have to face having told? I would really face the consequences then. It would be real bad.
"I was not alone?" I felt pretty alone. I wish I could've realized I wasn't. I'm not sure it would have mattered then.
Anyway... thank you for sharing your story.
Things got better for me too, soon after that year. I survived.
I am truly sorry for whatever you had to go through. I really am. I hope you are OK and have found healing - this stuff can stay with you for a lifetime. I'm thankful for this song. I'm thankful that I made it through. We weren't alone. We aren't alone. - All the best.
@@-mattwood I'm glad you made it to a better place, and thank you for the courage of sharing your story. As it so happens, I'm on our local school board, and in that role I often wonder about our students for which school is their refuge.
Hey! Never forget how fucking AWESOME you really are!
Welcome to the wonderful world of Supertramp. The very best band that no one knew. I'm 62 yrs old and Supertramp is one of the top 5 bands in my life. Ooozing talent all over the place.
62 as well, and recently “rediscovered” Supertramp. Now -I can’t stop listening . . .
Queen, Supertramp, Pink Floyd, The Who, Led Zeppelin. Top Five.
Your bloody well right!
One of my biggest regrets in life, not getting to see them live. Downstream, among my all time favorites.
I heard them as a kid in the 70’s and they’ve always held a special place, no other band had anything close to the sound they made.
73 year old here. I still have this band in my playlist. “Even In The Quietest Moments” still gives me chills.
Oh, man! I wasn't cool enough or musically refined enough to recognise the musical genius on display here. This came out in my early teens when I could have been a groupie for these guys. To hear someone a couple of decades older embrace this as the fantastic stuff it, is makes me happy to have finally caught up.
Likewise 73 here. Old enough to have most of their stuff on vinyl and a world class system to play it on...
I still find myself singing" Crime of the century " when I'm alone. I'm 67
71 and whenever I hear a car horn in the street I sing "And if my thoughts had wings....."
To each his own of course, but I heard “Even in the quietest moments “ today and didn’t care for it, but I love Supertramp.
"When you feel that your life has become a catastrophe, well, it HAS TO BE for you to grow, boy." One of my all-time favorite songs!
Mine as well!
When my marriage was crashing, I sang it as "it has to be, for you to GO, boy." I felt that if things had been one step above a catastrophe, I would have tried my best to work it out.
Please do Spandau Ballet - True. I think everyone would love to see you do that song
Elizabeth, a question, I was curious if your stage career has ended or if you still or plan to perform professionally?
It's always good to take the long way home and just relax in preparation
Cool to see Supertramp getting the respect they deserve.
I totally agree!!! I love Heavy Metal, Soul & Folk music - I kinda of dislike Pop music... Supertramp were awesome, you just have to listen!!!
As the always have.
Agreed. Is it just me or does it look like Peter Dinklage is jamming at 7:30?
Agreed. This song and the album Breakfast In America was a cultural phenomenon when it came out with hit after hit. At least in my circle and it was when you played whole albums not just songs so the overall experience blends your emotions and memories between all the songs on the album. His voice reminds me a lot of Geddy Lee from RUSH. th-cam.com/video/kyhW2v0NDM0/w-d-xo.html
@@guidedmeditation2396Crime of the CENTURY was their best album IMO.
This song has such significance for me. In 1979, I was a young stud (well, in my mind, anyway) in my early 20s. I was a USG contractor in Saudi Arabia... it was a long way home. Used to sit on a rise overlooking a military city up on the Saudi/Iraq/Kuwait border (KKMC, for those in the know)... and gaze out at the city lights. I'd sit there late at night as the desert heat dissipated, the Arabian night darkened, and the stars became incredibly bright. And there I'd come into the full presence of my then world. I'd sit, listen, and contemplate where I was (that blew me away) and what my future might hold. Lonely days, lonely nights! Now, at 67, when I hear this song, I find myself going back to a place where, no matter the direction I went, I took the long way home! 😊
Glad to know you got home safe mate.
@@originalotto7126 Thank you!
Beautiful sentiments. I was in Iraq and Afghanistan wars and thought the same thoughts. Still not home yet....
@@jameswright8308 I know the feeling. You're not alone. Remember those times, but live in the present.
My old boss was there during that time. He was doing a specialty installation for a Saudi company. I remember him telling me about the list of things that were presented to him on arrival . He couldn't wear Levi's jeans because it was promoting a Jewish company. He said you could not drink alcohol unless you were invited to. You had to shake hands with your left hand because the right one was used to wipe yourself in their culture. Did you have to do any of that? I'm just curious.
Every time I hear this song on the radio, I feel like the harmonica in this song is the loneliest sound I've ever heard. It is such a powerful song.
Rivaling the sax on Gerry Rafferty's Baker Street...
The harmonica, I always feel like it's a lonely train whistle off in the distance calling to me.
Harmonica was an excellent choice here. The harmonica is often associated with sadness. The blues. It sounds like it has a cry to it.
Much like the harmonica on "School"...which also has that distant, lonely feel
@@jazziered142 I feel that.
Some harmonica sounds seem to be beckoning, trying to draw you in.
Supertramp were a band who weren't afraid to put every element of music that interested them into their songs. That is why they were so great. So many styles mixed together perfectly, creating a unique sound. It's great see you discover all of these for the first time Elizabeth! This is the joy of music!
I remember listening to supertramp as a kid 76
I was addicted to there music immediately…
Crazy inspired lyrics
Which I could relate to
In a big way ,
Up lifting… I thought
Go to (hide in your shell
Thx ..Peace ..
Im 54, one of my most vivid memories as a child was sitting in the living room with my parents with most of the lights out listening to Crime of the Century and breakfast in America on the quadraphonic. We just sat there engulfed by the music. I absolutely love Supertramp.
This is my memory of music at our house growing up. My mom was pretty hip and she had all the great rock albums. The kind that hang on peoples walls today. They had a Realistic system with 2 large wooden speakers that functioned as end tables on either side of the couch. huge 12 inch woofers and chrome tweeters. We would sit on the couch and listen with the lights turned down and the windows open with the breeze coming in and the crickets chirping outside. We would listen to WNEW in NYC or one of her records sometimes and she would point out how the sound moves from left to right or right to left if you sit between the speakers...it was magical.
Think I blew up my pops speakers listening to this album in the 70's....... Epic
Crime of the Century is one of my favorites of all time. Specifically "Rudy". I discovered the tune about age 14 and just about 40 years later it's magic hasn't waned one bit. But the Hi-Fi kit is far better than what I had at 14. Win...win...
And "Brother Where You Bound?" Wow!! Didn't have Roger but Rick Davies and the rest of the band certainly had their own strengths!
If push came to shove, Crime would be placed at the top of the list for me. And I would LOVE to hear that on a quad system!
Why does she keep talking. Just play the song.
The entire album "Breakfast in America" was a massive hit for them and is loaded with great songs you'd likely enjoy. One of my favorite albums.
It's loosely about hopping on the Concord to NYC from Great Britain, how Prophetic is the Logical Song! Good Bye Stranger.....Child of Vision....it was a great album!
It was the last 8track I'd ever buy. Every song on there was excellent
My son now has my original LP, I still know the words to every song.
Was one of the first albums I bought.
Crime of the Century was amazing as well
These lines in the song always gave me goosebumps and almost made me cry.......
"When you look through the years and see what you could have been
Oh, what you might have been
If you would have more time"
......please dont decide to not follow your dreams or put things off too long and have this regret!
Same here and the harmonica.
Yep. I turned Fifty Three a few weeks ago and those lyrics hit me much harder than when I was eight.
Oh yes.
Yes, these lyrics are so poignant. As a cancer patient, I think about this all the time, and am trying not to squander the precious time I have left, however much, in this beautiful life.
Beautiful words...
You’re definitely not over-analyzing these songs. Supertramp is one of the deepest music you’ll ever listen to. Just like the music, there are 100 layers to the meanings and emotions of every Supertramp song. Best band ever.
I'm a retired DJ.
Whenever I played Supertramp on my shows I'd always tell my listener (you only ever speak to one person), "That's the best band in the World."
I would say it like it was a scientific, irrefutable, self-evident fact. A little bit because I'm an arrogant sob, but also because I kinda believe it might be empirically true.
Hodgson and Davies' voices complement each other perfectly, the musicality of the band is of the highest level, the tension between their progrock and jazz-pop instincts is constantly surprising, the unparalleled mastery of their instruments is a privilege to hear, their lyrics dealing with hippy existential angst, mixed with the ordinariness of humdrum, everyday life are entertaining yet deeply thought-provoking, and last, and probably most, Rodger Hodgson's emotional, crying, plaintive voice brings tears to my eyes even after all these years.
All of the above provides this arrogant DJ with about as much evidence as he needs to confidently announce - Best Band in the World.
So agree. And your comment deserves way more than only 9 Likes.
AFTER Pink Floyd.
I agree it's close.
Remember, they even designed and built the electronics to make the sounds they wanted.
Thank you ! Absolutely agree. The best band in the world playing one of my favorite song, Rudy. They were here in Montreal in 1976. First part was Chris De Burgh. Time long gone but never forgotten.
Eh , I grew up in the 60's 70's with THE BEST music period ❤
Are you Howard Manshine?
And I'm 62 as well. Supertramp makes up part of the soundtrack of my life.
What a unique and wonderful sound. A sound that I can proudly say has never left my play list.
From vinyls and cassettes to CDs and flash drives. And I still have some of the vinyls.
All you guys put a smile on my face knowing there are others with GREAT taste in music.
Their songs really come alive in the studio when you can hear it the way it was meant to be. That harmonica is haunting in the studio cut.
yes the harmonica has more echo to it like it's alone in a big empty room calling out
Studio versions are often flagged and deleted by the copyright owner so a live version is probably the only way to keep her reaction video from being deleted from TH-cam.
You're right there. It's almost a longing being expressed and matched with the lyrics adds to the impact
I learned to play a harp just to learn to play this intro and sustain. The harp is keyed in F, and Rick is bending it.
As with a lot of the music I grew up listening to, I have to thank my older siblings.
Supertramp is one of those bands that my sisters listened to and I found to be one of my many favorites.
The lyrics to this song are about a person with a bad relationship at home and is doing everything he can to avoid or prolong the time before the inevitable when he gets home.
The lyrics speak about looking back on your life and the choices you made and if you had more time to do things differently.
Definitely one of the best bands of the 1970s - '80s that have had a lot of recognition but not nearly enough celebration for their contribution to rock music
I think my dad would have really enjoyed your review. The fact that you are out here appreciating great 70's music makes me feel not quite so erased by the sands of time. Thank you. ❤
You haven't heard the full musical arc of Roger Hodgson till you hear the best blend of Rick Davies at the piano, and Roger strumming the 12-string guitars, both with superior musicianship padding and oftentimes doubling Roger's vocal prowess. Kindly listen to the studio version of "Give a Little Bit" the opening song on Supertramp's 1977 album Even in the Quietest Moments and the single from1982 album …Famous Last Words… "It's Raining Again" Talk about mastery of crisp layeried harmonies. Timeless.
Well said
Agree. I'm much more of a fan of Roger Hogeson and I think he us great on his own. But there is an extra layer of magic that happens when the two of them are together.
I dont expect two extremely creative and talented people could exist on the same plane for any long period of time. Their breakup and different pursuits were almost inevitable. It is much much more rare that two people like this will remain together as opposed to drifting apart.
I'm just grateful they stayed together as long as they did and gave us all the great music they did.
Give A little Bit touches my soul like no single other song I've ever heard does. It is pure perfection. Pure magic. The oy other songs that would ever come that close were also written and recorded by Supertramp. To quote your examples, the suspended harmonies in the bridge of "It's Raining again" definitely gets me there.
Agreed!
I got to see/hear Supertramp at Arene des Nimes France. A 2,000 year old bullfight arena, where the stone seats are so used they’re actually worn to butt shape…
amazing sound and performance.
When the guitar solo for Good Bye Stranger broke from ostinato, I thought the arena would levitate!
It is in my top 5 concerts ever.
In no order ;
Jethro Tull, Thick As A Brick,
Mahavishnu Orchestra, Birds Of Fire
Stephane Grappeli/Bucky Piazarreli at Blue Note
‘1 yard away from violin’
Supertramp at Nimes
Orchestra des Contrebasses de Paris at Julliard and in Paris ( 6 awesome bassists acoustically)
Honorable mention;
Playing bass on Caramina Burana with 450 singers and Juliard Profs. as soloists in NYC
The overall sound of this song immediately captures the melancholy and nostalgia of the story being told. It’s brilliant.
Yes, and the feeling he puts into the words makes me think its a true story, and about him.
I remember when Breakfast in America came out in '79. Supertramp was my favorite band and I bought the album as soon as it was available, brought it home, unwrapped the celophane, placed it on my turntable and spent I don't even know how many days in musical extasy, It was absolutely epic, possibly Supertramps best album and one of the greratest albums of the era.
Actually got to meet Roger after a solo show one night in Hampton Beach New Hampshire decades later and he was an absolute delight to meet, very humble and kind. He was definitely a big influence on me as a musician. Such an amazing talent.
Own 3 copies of it!!!
The harmonica's lonely sound, the haunting words, the way he sings as if he knows this, not that he thinks this, is perfect. My favorite Supertramp song.
My great uncle is 102. Just saw him at Christmas and he always has his harmonica with him and plays some traditional French Canadian songs. He's the last of 18 siblings that grew up in the depression. The Harmomica and French singing is what I'll always remember.
Fuck yeah! That is SO awesome!
One of the most astonishingly perfect songs ever written, recorded and performed. Masterpiece.
When I was a kid, there was many times would try to take the longer ways home. Between the constant getting picked on, beat up, emotional stress from school, I got it a lot from home as well.... So this somg truly hits home with me... As always Elizabeth, you have done a fantastic job breaking down this song. Love ya for what you do!!!!
I heard their songs for years and then suddenly one day I actually listened to the lyrics- incredible. Roger was a genius.
As someone old enough to have loved and appreciated this song since it was released nearly 50 years ago it's wonderful to see a new generation of music professionals get excited hearing this for the first time. Yes, the greatest era of popular music and Supertramp was and remains one of the most complex and immensely enjoyable bands of the '70s. Your analysis has helped me enjoy it even more in spite of my familiarity with it. I also never saw one of their live performances and this video coupled with your analysis has made me treasure it even more. So glad you enjoyed it.
...this particular song, done Live in Paris, at the beginning he says, "When you go home tonight, you must take the long..way..home"...makes your skin crawl when he strikes that first piano note...also, at the end, you TOOK the long way home, didn't settle down, you made different choices...
@@floyddammytte6781, great observations. It still reonates powerfully today and will, well into the future. What an assembly of visionaries and immensely capable musians. I'm grateful to have been privy to their music and insights most of my life...
Now if I'd only applied those suggestions sooner. Still on the long way home, literally; an old upsate New Yoker marooned of sorts in Thailand. After 25 years living abroad, planning a return to the Empire State from the Empire of the Sun. What goes around comes around.
I know, right? It's fascinating to watch a new generation come to appreciate "our" classic modern music. Some even delve into the roots of gospel, Delta Blues, classical music(and Appalachian music too, in Rock).
Cool to observe.
Cool to still be alive.
As my favorite button reads, "I MAY BE OLD, BUT I GOT TO SEE ALL THE COOL GROUPS."
Ha.
I'll never forget the first time I heard a Led Zeppelin song in an elevator on Muzak.
I felt old and weirded out, sure...but mostly sad.
What? That was 50 years ago?? LOL
Seems like 10.
I’m getting so old now ‘they’ may come at take me back to Florida.
@@bearlemley : Had the album on vinyl in 74 ......
Unseen, that phrase hits my heart very hard, i just turned 61yo, yesterday; its so itrospective that o relate too. All with a brave face,(the piano melody).There are so many layers to really good music and lyrics.😊 Thanks to Elizabeth, I Love her and her content.❤
Supertramp's "Crime of the Century" is a perfect album from the first note to the last. Supertramp is one of my favorite groups. Please explore more of their songs!!
Agreed!
The problem was that it was released et exactly the same time as Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon", back in the days of analogue and vinyl.Dark side of the Moon appears to have received more "air play", almost to the point of "over exposure". "Crime of the Century" still holds up as a tour de force of song-writing, musicianship and recording quality.
I'm pushing 70, but a lot of stuff like this, Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Yes, Return to Forever, etc. gets spun around here, either on vinyl or CD.
I agree, not as commercial, a little darker, but hauntingly beautiful ! Whoever mixed this album was a genius. 😊
I concur
Crime of the Century is a truly great sounding album.
The lyrics from the song easily apply to what we’ve been going through for the last four years.
But, hey, don’t arrange to have me sent to no asylum.
I’m just as sane as anyone.
Yes, please, please do!
I really wish you would do studio versions of Supertramp. Yes he’s great live, but the studio quality is mind blowing. Particularly this song, when that harmonica hits in the intro is just unbelievable.
Live versions always suck.
@@IansDrumsandBass.....not always!
@@mkrchnak5269 Most of them.
@@mkrchnak5269 Mostly. If you read the comments you'll see most people are of that opinion. The bands tend to speed up, as is the case here, and sound quality is never as good as the studio version.
Totally agree! The speed, cadence, and inflections on live versions of songs can be maddening seeing as how most people are used to studio versions of songs.
Supertramp was probably my favorite band in high school. The song School was an acid filled world. My first love and me saw them live in Toronto.
The lyrics are clear and his voice is exceptionally expressive... you can hear so much emotion coming through! What really blows my mind is how the vocals and harmonica both synergize so well at that higher register.
Tess LAaaa!!!❤🎉
You're interpretation of this song, which I was blessed to see them perform in concert in '79, is spot on. The juxtaposition of the up beat temp overlaying heartbreaking lyrics is masterful. One of the lines that stands out to me now is, 'When you look through the years and see what you could have been, Oh, what you might have been. If you'd a had more time.' That resonates deeply now in my older years.
Supertramp is unparalleled in many ways. One of the best bands ever.
Me too.
yes
We’re about the same age, and I hear you…
I think of that line often. This song brings me straight back to my high school days!
My brother lived with someone in Nevada City, CA for a while. He called one day and asked me, “Have you ever heard of a group named Supertramp?” Yes, I have. Well I’m standing in a room where I’m living and there are Gold Records and all kinds of awards on the walls. My brother had no idea he was living with Roger Hodgson!
Later… Roger was coming to San Diego with the Ringo Starr All-Star Band at San Diego State. My brother got a group of us tickets… when Roger played his 2-3 songs I got unreal goosebumps!
I graduated high school in 1978, and this band is part of the soundtrack of my youth. I was lucky to get to see them in concert in 1978 in Oklahoma City, and it was an amazing show! Thanks for covering this, it took me back and made me smile...
I saw them in Norman 78
I too graduated in 1978 and yes Supertramp, Boston and many more were the staples.
@TerrySleuth now that you say that, I believe I saw them at the Lloyd Noble Arena as well. Back then, it was either the Lloyd Noble in Norman or the Myriad in OKC.
His voice is the voice of a story teller. Completely different but exactly the same as Gordon Lightfoot and Harry Chapin are story tellers.
Excellent interpretation. I was born in Gord's hometown.
Excellent episode, Liz!
Not on topic about his voice, but an interesting Supertramp side-bar story I think you’ll appreciate, as a musician. I live in London, Canada (about 2 hours from Toronto) and about 30 years back, Rodger Hodgson (ST singer) played a solo gig in my city. Well, upon crossing the border from the US to get here, his sax player was refused entry into Canada for some reason. So his tour manager called the Musicians Union, looked for someone local to fill in. My friend Aaron MacDonald got the call-simply cause they (Musicians Union) start at the top of the Rolodex and scroll alphabetically until they find the right, available player. Having two AA’s in his name, he was first call. Long and short of it is, he went down and nailed the gig. In fact, he was hired to replace the other guy! And he KEPT the gig, up until fairly recently, when (I think) Hodgson retired from touring. He is/was the sax player and utility guy, too-percussion, keys, harmonica, acoustic guitar, clarinet etc. etc. etc. Not bad for a kid (at the time) from Canada, eh?
An ironic twist in this is that there was another sax player in town named Aron-but he spelled his name with one A. I’m sure he’s often wondered what ‘might have been’ had Aaron not answered his phone that day (pre-cell phones) and they had called him next…just goes to show you, you never know when your break is coming.
Bloody Well Right from the crime of the century album also has that implied swing to it. And it's a masterpiece of a song. It was on the radio constantly when I was a really little kid.
You really think that song is a masterpiece? Well… you’re bloody well right.
Princess Diana was very fond of this song....
One of my absolute favorite song intros of all time! They have a killer live version on YT 79 in Paris
Lol I remember when I was little asking my dad if I was allowed to sing along with that or not 😂 his answer was that swearing is OK when it's art...my teacher did not agree when I sang it at school however 😂
@@mattburgess5697Quite right!
I hope some of the Supertramp deep dive will include studio albums. I know live is the preference, but these guys were exceptional in the studio. In those days, if you bought a new stereo, Supertramp albums would really showcase how good they were. I would recommend Bloody Well Right as a studio option. 🙂
I agree. Alot is is missing
I agree, even the stuff after Roger left like cannonball (brother) , and slowmotion are really good as well. Rick has a wonderful voice too.
Absolutely. Bloody Well Right studio version has the best opening jazz improvised, keyboard solo by Rick way above all the others IMHO.
Other Man's Woman live has one of the greatest jazz piano solos in it in all of music. 63 years old and have been a fan (almost) as long as I can remember.
I have to agree - this is great to hear live, but the studio/album version is superb - sounds so different, and I love it! - I also love that they used this track in the UK version of "Ashes To Ashes" season 1's finale's ending scenes - first time I'd heard this track, and fell in love with it!
I always had a one-dimensional approach to this song and loved it because I lived in a small town. When going out on dates, we would "take the long way home" and we would drive around back roads in southern Illinois and just sit in the peace and isolation and of course do other things :)
I never thought about the song from a perspective of "I don't want to go home". Thanks to others for posting their perspectives.
I get goosebumps listening to a part of my childhood. Thanks for recognizing this era of music. It was a great time!
I love it SO MUCH that you're taking on a Supertramp journey. It is amazing how I've listened to their songs for DECADES and they never get old. As to the next song to review, well I'd suggest Goodbye Stranger or Give A Little Bit!
Breakfast in American is one of my favorite albums. Used to listen to "The Long Way Home" driving back late at night from my girlfriends house. Really brings back the memories, thanks for reminding us how great they were.
I have heard Supertramp being quoted as the musician's musician, and when you listen to their Breakfast in America album you can absolutely see why. It's highly complex with every millisecond thought out for maximum effect. There is just simply no other band like them, with so much nuance and complete and utter uniqueness.
Fools Overture is an all time classic from this band, the Live in Paris album is always on my top ten playlist. Unique sound, style and brilliant song writing added to top tier musicianship.
Yes, this is one of my all time favourites too. That and Even in the Quietest Moments.
One of my favourite tracks of any genre by any band.
Yes, Fool’s Overture!
In almost all cases, I prefer the Paris version of songs over the studio versions. Especially "Hide in Your Shell".
I wholeheartedly agree about the Paris version of Fool’s Overture. I can never listen to it without continuing and listening to Two of Us as well. Great reaction!! Thanks!!
The emphasis on SUPER. This band has been in my entire life. I just knew even as a child I was listening to something special that I didn’t understand. As I progressed into music myself it was leaving me speechless. The more I understood the music the less I knew. They are one of those special group of musicians that come around once every generation. They sang the anthems of my youth and their lyrics are just as relevant today as they were 50 years ago. There will never be another Supertramp and that’s a great thing. They get you thinking and moving. They bring joy and understanding and clarity to my life. The suffering of abuse in every form was forgotten when I would spin Supertramp on my little record player. They gave me the only escape that I had from the cruelness I endured. They saved my life. I was catapulted into a different dimension every time I heard them on the radio or my stereo. Thank you Supertramp. I am not alone in my opinion. They will never be replicated.
This is a masterclass in Reacting. You totally nailed it. I just subscribed 😎 I’m 56 years old and what blows my mind more about 70, 80’s music isn’t the musicianship, that’s Bloody Given” you had to be good. It was how all the young musicians were so introspective and deep, the songs had tremendous meaning. It’s like they all had lived so much life, yet they’re hardly 30 years old. The lyrics were really what made the song.
Same age as you, and my god, when this album came out, I was so blown away.
I've never, ever gotten tired of them
And no autotune, you HAD to be able to really sing.
We lived so much life because there was no Internet make as "priority".
Saw them many years ago and I remember hearing 'Crime of the Century' and getting chills. That piano riff cut through my soul like a knife.
Oh , that's a great riff for sure, Just sucks me in still!
Same here… I’ve seen the Eagles live and they were impeccable but seeing Supertramp was even better!
I've seen a lot of bands and though I was rarely disappointed...there were a handful that were on another level...that group includes Supertramp!@@Rock_Snob
The Supertramp "Live in Paris" double album is sublime. The horrendous french is funny AF, but I think adds a greata mount of humanity to the event - the crowd clearly lapped it up!
@@nelanncal that was the tour I went to my junior year in HS.
They were amazing in concert too. So clean, beautiful.
I've always felt that Supertramp was one of the most underrated bands of all time, thank you for your wonderful reaction!!!
There’s that word again…
You have no idea how much this song has meant through the years for those of us who’ve followed them since their beginning. And this tune in particular, because of its simplicity and beauty, can bring me to tears. So glad you analyzed this gem and love it!
I absolutely love to see the joy in your face as you dig into these songs
I like how the song begins and ends with the melancholic piano and harmonica. It's as if we begin at home, feeling unappreciated and depressed. Then we go out into the world, happy as the music takes on bright pop and klezmer flavors. Yet, by the end, we're taking the long way home as dark chord changes bring us back to the piano and harmonica's lamentations.
This song has a lot of meaning for me. As a kid, after my parents divorced and moved to states on the far north and far south side of the US, we had to do visitation during the summer for months before returning home to mom. We literally took the long way home, almost a thousand miles over land. When mom would drop us off and have to drive back without us, knowing she wouldn't see us for weeks, she said every time this song came on the radio she would cry.
For all of us who have taken the long way home.
Amen. Makes me long for final home
I'm 62 years old and this song stirs so many memories of the best times of my life. I just didn't know it at the time. Life is short. Enjoy the music.
Amen. Well said.
Supertramp is one of the few bands that can perform as close to their studio recordings as possible. It is uncanny how exact and precise their playing was on a repeating basis.
They are very talented performers. No doubt.
also Shinedown!
I agree, I saw them and what I think was 1979 at the coliseum in Houston. They were awesome. And before theyre encode, they said that they had never don an encore before.
RUSH has entered the chat
This song has always had a special meaning for me-but not in a good way.
In my sophomore year in a Cleveland-suburb high school, my home life had become very screwed up. My parents hadn’t slept together for years and their sole interaction seemed to be yelling and screaming at each other. They were so busy fighting, that they didn’t really have time for my sister and me. Because of the constant bickering, I couldn’t stand to be in the house when both of them were there at the same time. The good news was that my dad had a job where he worked fairly late; he typically wouldn’t get home until about 7:30 pm each night (when the fighting would inevitably start).
One day around 4:30 pm, my class was returning from a field trip. I was sitting with my friends on the back seat of the school bus. We were driving past two local entrances to the Cleveland Metropark, a huge system of parks which surrounds Cleveland (“The Emerald Necklace” of the city). As I looked out the side window, I saw my dad’s car in the park, approaching the main road we were on. I figured he was taking a shortcut home from work and expected him to turn behind us and follow us into our town. But instead, as I stared out the back window of the bus, he crossed the main road and vanished out of sight back into the park on the other side of our road. It then sadly dawned on me that he didn’t work until 7:30 pm each night at all but was just out driving (or perhaps doing other things) for hours-that he preferred that over being home, with his wife…with his children.
(Indeed, he arrived home at 7:30 pm that evening.)
Shortly after that I heard Supertramp’s “Take the long way home.”
Although I love the song, hearing it brings me right back to that realization and sad memories of my childhood.
Yep.... I can totally sympathize with you. Little different situation though. A really bad marriage to an incredibly mean woman. A little alcohol would get her started, a little more would turn her in to Dr. Jekyll, and a little more would turn her into the devil. She would 'go to pick up a few groceries' and not return until the next morning....drunk of course. My parents were called on innumerable times to watch the kids so I could go to work. They would graciously stay until she decided to return home. There were times when she would return home early, in a dangerously aggravated condition. Those were the times I feared going to bed, believing that I may not wake up. I finally left her, not being able to tolerate it any longer. I am convinced that had I stayed, one of us would have likely killed the other. "Take the Long Way Home" was MY song at the time. It fit so well.
@@notsofast2539brother, that’s my story almost to the letter. So many of us have been through so much with a woman. Good u got out when u did. It took me having a heart attack and being in ICU for five days to realize. 20 yr marriage and she never came to the hospital, not even for five minutes. My first grandchild was born four months ago. She has yet to see her grandchild.
Different details, same story. I always thought my dad was working late to support wife and 5 kids, but he had a favorite bar about 10 miles away.
I didn’t even pay attention when he ran a red light in his 240Z, was t-boned, and got a DUI. It didn’t seem unusual in any way. Besides, he was sometimes in a better mood drunk than hungover.
Such sad memories. Sorry!
One thing I think many will easily agree on is that during the 70's and 80's we had REAL MUSICIANSHIP AND ARTISTRY. Our generation enjoyed TRUE TALENT either in music, comedy or acting. I feel our generation was absolutely blessed. I can't say it enough abt young ppl like yourself who do these reactions who get to. Enjoy it as we did. The looks on all of your faces give me hope for YOUR future and beyond. Keep reacting, listening and sharing. God bless ❤
Besides the fun of getting Elizabeth's thoughts and insights into the song, the vocals, and the instruments... it is such a joy to watch her facial reaction to each new thing that she hears.
Absolutely agree. Her reactions make me joyfully laugh out loud.
That is why I recommended in the past that she wait and listen further into the song instead of instantly responding. Listen all the way through and then go back is my suggestion.
My brain makes the same faces when I discover a new piece of music that absolutely stops you in your tracks and blows your mind!
How does facial shaping affect a reaction? If you have the answer....
I'm just waiting for Dreamer. That song almost made me give up it is so amazingly arranged and performed.
The album is timeless. It doesn’t sound old. So well produced
Breakfast in America - Album of the year 1980
I LOVE how moved to get by all great music, particularly Suptramp. Your analyses are so emotionally relatable. Thank you!
This song hits home! I remember listening to this on the radio when I was a young boy, I often took the long way home, I felt like the joke of the neighborhood! Been tagged with major depression disorder! 🎉😊! Now 56 Celebrate boy! What a journey. Surprised I made it this far.
Surrounded by very supportive family for about 10 yrs or so.
Happy New year,
Stay safe! ❤
Hey I’m 58 & still kickin too😅. I hear u brother. Stay cool funky monkey😂
Just turned 59, and I felt the joke of the neighborhood, and of the school. When in 2nd grade, I was diagnosed with ADHD, unheard of in that day. I was the only 2nd grader who was sent to school after my mom having me drink a cup of coffee, which as a pediatric nurse, was what she and my pediatrician determined to be the best way to medicate Mr, and as most know now, the treatment for ADHD is stimulants.
I was bullied, treated horribly, and much, much later, determined to be on the spectrum. But I fortunately had a fantastic friend who became my biggest supporter and cheerleader. He was the guy who would beat everyone in arm wrestling, was a basketball player and one of the popular crowd. Dennis Watts, you helped me more than I could ever repay you for in a million lifetimes.
He convinced me, a skinny kid who was a long distance runner, to join the Marine Corps with him. I joined, and after I pushed myself mentally and physically, graduated from Parris Island as a Marine. From there, even though I've still struggled with so many things, I've done more in my life than anyone who knew that skinny kid, who was punched in the stomach by bullies as a "joke" nearly every week, became a Sergeant of Marines, became an electrical engineer, a helicopter pilot and for many years, played guitar and was a singer in various rock, blues and country bar bands. I hosted karaoke shows, and DJ'ed at many events.
Supertramp was one of the bands that seemed to speak to me in those years as a kid, dreaming of something in life that would make me so much more than that skinny, bullied kid listening to "Take the Long Way Home" in the back seat of my Mom's car, sometimes staring up through the back window at the stars in the night sky.
I utterly believe that just the friendship of one guy brought out strength that I never dreamed I possessed.
I hope you stay well, and live life as fun as you are able!
I picked up a harmonica to learn during Covid and was pretty quickly impressed with how deceptively difficult it initially was to learn. I played trombone in high school so I’m familiar with breath pressure and embourchure…but getting the feel for certain techniques on the harmonica is tricky. Much respect to harmonica players out there!
I bought one many, many years ago thinking it would be simple to learn. Boy, did I learn otherwise. Never got the hang of it.
This is one of my favorite songs that I’m so grateful to you for having made a video. You have such incredible taste in your analysis is always so cool thank you so much.
Great reaction as always. "Give a Little Bit", "Goodbye, Stranger", and "Dreamer" are songs you should definitely react to next.
Definitely. Especially “Goodbye Stranger”.
HIde in your shell
From now on would be a great pick too
Goodbye stranger definitely the ultimate anthem for a narcissist.
Love Give A Little Bit
This song hits so hard, gets me every time. Glad to see you got it too. It's a masterpiece.
Wow this video was so amazing keep up the good work and I loved your ANALYSIS! on this song thank you so much
Supertramp is such a great and talented band, and thank you for the way you admire his voice, I used to argue with so many people who said the vocals were horrible, just goes to show a true professional as yourself to confirm his vocals.
Wow Elizabeth, you are superb at dissecting a song in way I had never noticed throughout my life. I hear the drums, bass, guitars, piano, etc. but am learning so much from you about so many other influences to all the songs as I listen to them now, which are typically all the great classic rock music starting from the mid 60’s to other blues and jazz variations as I got older! Thank you!
I adore your ability to combine musical and emotional intelligence when analysing this beautiful, poignant song. Congratulations on discovering Supertramp. Their musicianship and lyrical perfection make this a masterpiece. Your joy is so infectious!
I love this song so much, and your enthusiasm for it makes it even better. As long as you're doing Supertramp, PLEASE do 'Bloody Well Right'!
This and “School”.
One of those bands my parents loved when I was a kid, so naturally I pretended to hate it. I was a punk rock kid after all! When you get older, you just stop worrying about it and enjoy Supertramp because it’s amazing.
So right there with you on that. 54 now so I was probably listening to the same shit as you with the same self conscience head lol
I never cared what my parents liked or didn't. They introduced me to ST, and I loved it right from the start. They also introduced me to Simon & Garfunkel (yea!) Beatles and Queen (meh). I like what I like, and don't care where it comes from!
@@FHL-Devils I mean, that’s great. Some people come back around to it is all I was saying
It can have many meanings about the journey, to get to the destination. Like don’t grow up too fast. The music to me is taking time, enjoyment getting there. But it reminds me as you say skipping home from school, taking my time, having to go home knowing I had two younger sisters with my rageaholic alcoholic mom. In between learning, and home, was where my enjoyment was.
A live version of My Old School by Steely Dan is another upbeat but fascinating story telling song that works on many levels. It's about time you tackle a Steely Dan song.
Definitely. ❤️👍
Cannot agree more! Lyrics, some of the best music ever, a distinctive voice, all right for Elizabeth's tastes - and a big dose of dark humor often, too.
Agreed!!
oh no, Guadalajara won't do
I ain't never going back
Don't just get lost in Breakfast in America. Even in the Quietest Moments is a simply astoundingly brilliant musical work! It's just chock full of power and beauty. Also what I consider to be their two main pre-commercial albums Crime of the Century and Crisis? What Crisis? should never be overlooked either.
Totally agree! Even in the quietist Moments is one of my all time favorite albums and (though less popularly recognize) deeper than Breakfast in America (as good as it is). Overall underrated band. Oh! And Crime … also
I agree. CRIME and Quietest moments were their best albums.
Their very first album was unique also. Breakfast was too commercial for me.
my favorite supertramp album is crime of the century. even in the quietest moments is second and breakfast in america is third. "crisis what crisis" was the first of their albums that i heard and the first one i bought. i have all of their albums on vinyl.
Rudy from Crime of the Century. That's story telling. It's my favourite and has nothing to do with the fact that my home town Reading gets a mention!
For a year or two when I was a student (~35 years ago) I used I listen to "crisis what crisis" almost every night when trying to sleep. If I didn't sleep when one side was finished, I turned the cassette in my Walkman, and kept listening.
I love the wide-eyed joy you take in this great music. It's from the greatest generation of music.
Wonderful band. Breakfast in America is the Dad album of the century which still sounds great nearly 45 years later. Goodbye Stranger has Davies singing, great stuff that you will enjoy.
Goodbye Stranger is one of my fave songs. In my top 20 of fave progressive rock songs
I like quite a few of their songs Even In The Quietest Moments, as well as Fools Overture, off the same album to name a couple.
I always felt that emotional lift when Roger started singing. He has such a pure, almost innocent tone which can express so many emotions but often a sort of sadness that made me wish I could have sat down with him and be an ear if needed.
All supertramps songs tell a story of every day life in a relatable recognisable way. Brilliant...
Crazy that Rick played a solo on the organ with one hand, and the harmonica in the other. Would love to hear what you think of Rick’s voice on Goodbye Stranger, Rudy, or Bloody Well Right
...and THIS is a proper react/analysis of a song! Pure gold. Thank you very much for this incredible video!
“You don’t have to have all kinds of vocal fireworks to be an incredible singer.”
This is a perfect reaction to his voice. I wish more people understood that simple notion.
Your analysis of this song was uplifting and gave a sense of renewal. I have loved this song my whole life. Apparently I have become musically complacent with this song. Your analysis reminded of how amazing and brilliant it really is !! Thank you !!
It's only logical after doing The Logical Song to do this great Supertramp song, complete with harmonica. Elizabeth plays her part in a picture show analyzing this song.
I got to see Supertramp in the Tower Theater, Upper Darby, PA small theater and it was a once in a lifetime concert and I’ve seen so many growing up outside Philly. What a concert.
I play harmonica, and can confirm that the shape of your mouth and throat has a HUGE affect on the the tone- as much as when you are singing I would say! A harmonica player can get all sorts of different affects and tonality and colours by just making adjustments to their mouth or throat or aperture shape. And you can certainly feel all the muscles in your face and lungs working!😊
Very much agree. I play the harp as well. My favorite harps are Bb & G
Mr. Davies can bend like very few people. This is the reason my favorite one is F.
Just curious about why those two are your favorite. I play only a little with my guitar, so I usually use G or C. Is there something with Bb that adds to tone or other things?@@Xpun3414
Bb has a great tone for most songs. I feel its a warm, open, full tone. That plays well with any other key. As for G. I just love the deep baratone-esk sound. G can be fun, or can be Very sad. I think G can play on the heart strings a bit more then the other keys. @@ronty22
I pretend to play harmonica I need to learn how to actually practice I might actually get from atrocious to lousy
Supertramp had such a unique and quirky quality about them with lyrics that delivered great messages. “Even In The Quietest Moments” is such a gem. Roger’s solo song “Lovers In The Wind” is gorgeous!! Check these out!
I was a senior in high school in 1979 when this song came out . Im 62 now about to turn 63 next week. I loved the harmonica, the saxophone that gave this a jazzy but very unique sound. There's so much to love in this song. His voice and unity of the band is outstanding. Once again,i declare to be so lucky to be born and grow up with the best bands and the music ever made!
Senior 1979. Above the entrance to my Dalton, Georgia high school is inscribed with an excerpt of the Holy scripture, "You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free!" Free the word of God! Free the music! Keep it free through preserving the 1st amendment!
I always thought this was just a pretty little song with a nice hook until I learned the song and actually paid attention to the lyrics. Mid-life crisis set to music. Great stuff.!!!
Listening to this tonight made me feel both happy and sad. It brought back happy memories of hanging out with close friends, sharing a beer and some laughs. The clarity, the bright, upbeat feeling of the song, perfectly captures those happy simple times. I miss those friends and the joy of those times. Music is so amazing in that a song can bring such a strong wave of memories and emotions.
I'm 68...your comments hit me square between the eyes. I remember the same thoughts. Good times gone too soon.
Indeed
I LOVED this song when I was a teenager!! I’m so happy to hear it now 🥰 I always thought it was hauntingly beautiful 💜
Listened to this song the other day... first time since I was a kid. It hit really different as an adult with life experiences. Amazing song.
It was a privilege to see these gentlemen in concert once, approximately 4 decades ago. That show was astounding. I have seen dozens of live performances, and have played in hundreds of shows myself. Attending their concert was one of my favorite nights ever, they were simply that good.
Seriously under appreciated group of talented musicians. I never understood why they didn't have more success than they did. Thank you for bringing them to a new audience.
they had a lot of success for a number of years. they stopped touring together as a unit, and people forget, but they were everywhere for a number of years!
Do you really think that one of the most commercially & critically successful bands of the 70s is somehow obscure?
Not sure how one of..if not the biggest ..touring act of the later 70's early 80s could have gotten more success?
I mean, who talks about Justin Timberlake today, ( unless they find something nefarious to put into a news cycle).
We're you sleeping through 79 early 80's ? Something from Breakfast in America was on the radio constantly... and rightly so.
I LOVE SUPERTRAMP❣️
I’m going to play the song all the way through now. Thanx 👍🏼
This song and 'School' are both masterpieces. The instrumental break in 'School' is absolutely awesome!
The whole Crime of the Century album is a masterwork!
Bloody Well Right is a great Rick Davies lead Vocal.
@@VeryVocalPro my personal favourite on this album from dick davies is Rudy, but yes, the whole album is masterclass
I lived during the best years of music groups. Did not know it then but I knew that the bands of then were unbelievable in their talent. Fast forward 50 years, these groups are as good now as they were then. I believe we will still be listening to these groups in another 50 years. I can't imagine what that time will be like, but their music will be alive and talked about, just like Bach and Beethoven now.
Supertramp always make me cry inside. Their approach to harmonies was to me like a warm cuddle.
SUPERTRAMP!!! One of my all time favorites, they could do no wrong in the day and I'm still one of their biggest fans. . ! Thanks soooo much for your additional input into their greatness. . .
Supertramp were an absolutely awesome band live. Their performance level and stage production was flawless!
Can't believe you've never heard this! This song ALWAYS gives me chills!!!!! LOVE IT!
I suffered 15 years of psychological domestic violence (PDV - psychological cruelty/coercive behaviour/narcissistic control) which resulted in me going into depressive psychosis (with full blown hallucinations - I thought I was schizophrenic and hid it from anybody). Yeah, this hits hard. So many times I have cried driving to work (wearing sunglasses to hide it) and even more so on the way home. I just get lost in the music though. Supertramp are superb and this song is fantastic. My favourite song has to be "School" but but "Child of Vision" and "Fool's Overture" are fabulous and as a guitarist, I have always loved "Give a little bit" a lot. Yes please, Elizabeth, much more Supertramp!
I don’t know whether to wholeheartedly agree with your Supertramp song choices, or give you a hug 😢
@@JohnnieLoveuboundoil Aww! I accept your hug (I ♥ hugs) and like you (I think) I love many of the less well known but absolutely awesome Supertramp songs.
Give a little bit, is good with or without sunglasses at night 😎
@@foxxhunt3513 True, and you don't have to play it in an elevator (as a Brit I'd say a lift) either as Roger did to get the right acoustics. My best version was with friends (in harmony) at a campfire with me on 12 string rhythm acoustic, another friend doing lead on a 6 string acoustic and a third playing a box drum + tambourine. Was a bit like something "The Paper Kites" would have done I guess 🥰